Back in 2006, I wrote an article on the HOSTS file, and how it added an improvement to the security of your computer. Whilst this has not changed, the malware scene has and thus, the security needed to protect your computer, has changed drastically.

HOSTS files

A HOSTS file has never been enough on it's own to protect you, simply because it is far too easy for a malicious program (and depending on your browser settings, a malicious webpage) to completely change or remove, the HOSTS file in seconds, and it is limited to blocking individual hostnames only (it cannot for example, do a wildcard block such as *.badsite.com, and it cannot block IP addresses). Obviously this requires you have a program monitoring the file for changes, such as WinPatrol. So what else is needed?

I'm trying to help a friend get her laptop set with a few extra security items beings she clicks on anything without thinking of the outcome, like a emptied PayPal account. I have the Netcraft Toolbar on my computer, and was going to recommend it. She has Windows Vista. The system requirements are Internet Explorer on Windows 2000/XP or Firefox 1.0 or later. Would the Netcraft Toolbar still work on Vista?

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